Former soap star stuns fans with unrecognisable new look and major career change. Emmerdale fans were left devastated when Liv Dingle, played by Isobel Steele, was killed off in a tragic storm in 2022, but what has she been up to since leaving the ITV soap?
Devastating Departure
Emmerdale viewers continue to be moved to tears over Liv Dingle's devastating departure four years ago from the ITV soap. Long-time fans will recall that Liv was Aaron Dingle's younger sister, and throughout his marriage to Robert Sugden, the trio became an inseparable family unit.
However, tragedy struck in 2022 during the ITV soap's landmark 50th anniversary episode when a catastrophic storm sent a caravan hurtling down, fatally trapping Liv beneath it, and leaving the village forever altered. Liv, who had only recently married Vinny Dingle, died from her injuries at the scene, leaving behind her brother Aaron, husband Vinny and the entire community devastated.
Liv Dingle's Character History
Liv first appeared on the ITV drama back in 2016 as Aaron's previously unmentioned sister. Liv was the daughter of villainous Gordon Livesy and Sandra Flaherty, making her Aaron's half-sister. The character was brought to life by Isobel Steele from 2016 through to 2022.
Looking back on her exit at the time, she said: "And that's a wrap on Liv Dingle. Hard to put into words what this show and the people in it mean to me and how big a decision it was to leave. Thank you to every single person I ever worked with and to those that pushed me to be a better person and a better actor."
She added: "Thank you to everyone who watches the show and has supported me throughout, none of it went unnoticed. Thank you to Kate Oates, Ian MacLeod and Jane Hudson. I love you all so much, you know who you are. The most bizarre and wonderful place to have grown up. I'm gonna miss it so much. On to the next! X."
New Look and Career Change
Since saying goodbye to Emmerdale, Isobel, 25, has shown off a dramatic hair transformation, unveiling her new appearance last year. The actress swapped her lengthy locks for a shorter cut, complete with a fringe. However, earlier this year, Isobel revealed she had let her fringe grow out and instead opted for a cropped bob hairdo instead.
Meanwhile, Isobel has decided to take a break from her acting work for now, focusing instead on her music career in London. The actress leads her own band called Little Dog Star and has put out music, alongside music videos, displaying her remarkable vocal talents with songs available to stream on Spotify too.
In a recent professional announcement, Isobel wrote: "I'm opening for the coolest @stellalefty at Hoxton Hall in July I'm so gassed! ! ! See you there <3", while also highlighting all the other performers she has played with and supported over recent months.
Emmerdale continues on weeknights at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
